Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory

The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory is a radio telescope facility in Krugersdorp that captures signals from space using a 26-meter telescope. The instrument relies on advanced microwave band receivers to collect data from distant astronomical objects.

The site was built by NASA in 1961 as a ground station to support space missions like Ranger and Surveyor. After being handed over to South African authorities in 1975, the facility continued serving astronomical research and space communications.

The observatory works with universities across South Africa, giving students hands-on training in radio astronomy and engineering research. This partnership allows young scientists to gain practical experience with real astronomical data.

The facility sits in a natural bowl of hills beside the Magaliesberg mountains, where the landscape shields it from urban radio interference. Despite this remote setting, the observatory remains relatively accessible from Johannesburg.

The facility participates in global observation projects where multiple radio telescopes across different continents coordinate to gather data together. This worldwide collaboration enables more precise and detailed measurements of astronomical phenomena.

Location: Krugersdorp

Inception: 1961

Official opening: 1961

Part of: European VLBI Network, South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Website: http://hartrao.ac.za

GPS coordinates: -25.89037,27.68558

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48